Johnson Publishing COO, President Resigns

Johnson Publishing Co. announced Monday that Anne Sempowski Ward has resigned as president and COO of the media company. A replacement was not named.

Anne Sempowski Ward has resigned from Johnson Publishing to spend more time with her family.

Johnson Publishing Co. announced Monday that Anne Sempowski Ward has resigned as president and COO of the media company. A replacement was not named.

“Anne has been a significant asset to our company and led key, corporate-wide initiatives for Ebony Jet, and Fashion Fair,â€ said Linda Johnson, chairman and CEO Johnson Publishing (No. 22 on the BE Industrial Service Companies list with $200 million in revenues). “During Anne’s tenure, we underwent significant restructuring and reorganization of the company. Her contributions have helped to position the company for the future.â€

The company quickly dismissed rumors that consultant Desiree Rogers would replace Sempowski Ward, according to reports. “Ms. Desiree Rogers is not replacing Anne Sempowski Ward. As we’ve stated from the onset of her June 1 role, she serves as a strategic consultant for the company. She is not being considered for president and COO,” according to Folio.

Sempowski Ward said she will be joining her husband in a business-consulting venture and spending more time with their newborn.

“It has been a phenomenal privilege to be the first member from outside of the Johnson family to serve as president and COO of both the publishing and cosmetics divisions of Johnson Publishing Company,â€ said Sempowski Ward.

Sempowski Ward joined JPC in 2007 as the president and chief operating officer of Fashion Fair Cosmetics where she led all aspects of sales, product development, supply chain, and marketing. In 2008 she was promoted to her current position.